Prescription drugs can provide benefits when taken as directed by your physician. However, using a prescription drug incorrectly or for nonmedical reasons may put you at risk for negative outcomes, including health complications and the development of a substance use disorder, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Shorewood Behavioral Health, located in Madison, Wisconsin, offers specialized treatment for adolescents and adults who are struggling with addictions to prescription medications like opioids and benzodiazepines. At our prescription drug addiction treatment center, we work with each patient to help them learn the skills they need to live a healthier life.
Prescription Drug Addiction Signs & Symptoms
The specific signs and symptoms of a prescription drug addiction can vary depending on the type of drug a person is using. At Shorewood Behavioral Health, we support people who are struggling with the use of prescription drugs such as Xanax, Valium, hydrocodone, and OxyContin.
Prescription drug addiction signs and symptoms can include:
- Strong cravings to use the drug
- Problems handling work, school, or household responsibilities
- Continuing to use the drug even when it causes harm
- Taking more of the drug than intended and struggling to cut down on use
- Giving up important activities
- Getting prescriptions from multiple doctors
- Stealing or borrowing prescription medication
- Needing a higher dose to experience the same effects
- Putting one’s physical safety at risk when using or when trying to get the drug illegally
- Poor coordination
- Confusion
- Feeling drowsy
- Sudden changes in mood
If you are experiencing prescription drug addiction symptoms, receiving appropriate care can help you regain control of your life. At a qualified treatment place such as Shorewood Behavioral Health, you can get professional support and focus on getting better.
Prescription Drug Addiction Statistics
NIDA reports the following statistics on prescription drug abuse in the United States:
- Among people age 12 and older in 2020, about 4.8 million people (1.7%) misused benzodiazepines in the previous year.
- Among the same age group in 2020, about 9.3 million people (3.3%) misused prescription pain relievers in the previous year.
- In a 2021 survey, 4.4% of 12th grade students reported misusing any prescription drug in the previous year. Among 12th graders, 0.9% reported misusing Vicodin, and the same percentage reported misusing OxyContin.
Possible Effects of Prescription Drug Addiction
Struggling with a prescription drug addiction can affect many areas of your life, from work and personal relationships to your physical and mental health. The effects of a prescription drug addiction can also be life-threatening, and this risk can increase if you abuse prescription drugs with other substances.
The harmful effects of a prescription drug addiction can include:
- Illegal behavior
- Accidents and injuries
- Legal problems
- Strained relationships
- Decreased performance at work or in school
- Health complications
- Risk-taking behavior
- Depression
- Overdoses and medical emergencies
- Higher risk for suicide
However, by getting prescription drug addiction treatment, you can take steps toward a healthier, safer, and more fulfilling life. If you seek care at Shorewood Behavioral Health, our admissions counselors will work with you to complete a detailed assessment that will help us determine whether our treatment center is right for you.
Therapies Used in Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment
Treatment for a prescription drug addiction may include a range of therapies and services, depending on the needs of the individual. At our Madison, Wisconsin, treatment center, we offer a variety of services and therapies to help each patient have the best chance of achieving the most successful treatment outcomes.
Examples of the types of therapies and services we provide at our prescription drug addiction treatment center include:
- Group therapy: Group therapy is the main method of treatment we use. Patients have multiple group therapy sessions each day, which can include process groups, goal-setting groups, nursing groups, and activity groups. These group sessions are led by various professionals, including therapists, counselors, mental health technicians, and nurses. While in group therapy, patients may discuss topics like self-esteem, relapse prevention, healthy boundaries, and the effects of trauma. One of the greatest benefits of group therapy is that it gives patients a chance to work with other individuals who may be facing similar challenges in recovery. This allows them to receive additional support and encouragement, which can be a crucial part of the therapeutic process.
- Experiential therapies: We offer music therapy and art therapy at our prescription drug addiction treatment center to give patients an opportunity to express themselves outside of talk therapy. Experiential therapies are provided every day and are led by mental health technicians, art therapists, and music therapists.
- Medication management services: There are times when medication can be a beneficial part of a person’s treatment plan. If a patient needs medication, they may meet with a psychiatrist, pharmacist, physician, nurse, or nurse practitioner for medication management services. The number of times a patient meets with a team member for these services will vary depending on their needs and the length of time they are in our care.
- Medication-assisted treatment: Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is a type of treatment that combines the use of certain medications like Suboxone® with talk therapy to help individuals overcome addictions to opioids. A patient’s treatment team works with them to determine if this intervention would be beneficial to their recovery process. Please note that not everyone is eligible for this service.
Benefits of Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment
Suffering from a prescription drug addiction can lead to many challenging emotions, such as shame, hopelessness, and a sense of isolation. However, with treatment, you can rediscover hope and a meaningful path forward.
Counseling sessions can provide many benefits: You might gain insight into the addiction you have been struggling with, learn skills to help you rebuild relationships, and create a plan for your long-term recovery.
Patients who receive care at our prescription drug addiction treatment center have the ability to work with a number of highly qualified, compassionate professionals. Our team consists of:
- Licensed professional counselors (LPCs)
- Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs)
- Psychiatrists
- Nurse practitioners
- Licensed professional nurses (LPNs)
- Registered dietitians
- Mental health technicians
- Activity therapists
At Shorewood Behavioral Health, you can also benefit from our supportive and holistic approach to addiction treatment. In our structured treatment settings, you can focus your full attention on recovery and connect with a community of peers who may have had similar experiences.
Choosing the Right Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Center
It might feel scary and overwhelming to consider the possibility that you’re suffering from a prescription drug addiction. But the benefits of seeking help and receiving the care you may need can be life-changing.
If you’re searching for prescription drug addiction treatment, it can be helpful to keep the following questions in mind:
- Does the treatment center offer individualized care that can address my unique needs?
- Will I have access to a multidisciplinary team of professionals to guide my treatment?
- Does the treatment center offer the appropriate level or levels of care for me?
- Will I receive a personalized discharge plan so that I can get focused support after treatment ends?
When you receive care at Shorewood Behavioral Health, your treatment team will work to understand your unique needs so that they can provide customized care at each step of the treatment process.
At the core of our treatment philosophy is a belief in the capabilities of our patients and our staff. We aim to meet you where you are and help you lay a foundation for a brighter future.
Learn More About Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment
If you believe that you might be struggling with an addiction to prescription drugs, our team is here to help. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions about the treatment process, the services we offer, or how you can begin the admissions process. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to help you decide what the best next step on your journey to healing may be.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Shorewood Behavioral Health.